Articles scientifiques DOI: 10.38023/d3b0ce39-4ce8-4f71-843a-6bfd26d86f16

Neurorights in Switzerland: Hype or Need?

Mental Privacy and Integrity in the Age of Neurotechnology

Alexandre Jotterand

Domaines juridiques:

Protection des données

Proposition de citation: Alexandre Jotterand, Neurorights in Switzerland: Hype or Need?, in : Jusletter 29 septembre 2025

Neurotechnology is moving from labs to daily life, enabling unprecedented access to — and even alteration of — our thoughts and mental states. This article examines whether Switzerland should introduce new «neurorights» to safeguard mental privacy and integrity, or whether existing legal frameworks, if applied appropriately, already provide sufficient protection. It concludes that no compelling case currently exists for the creation of new constitutional neurorights, but that targeted legislative refinements are warranted, such as the express classification of mental data as sensitive personal data and ensuring that regulatory frameworks address the convergence of neurotechnology and artificial intelligence. Such regulations should remain technology-neutral to address risks posed not only by neurotechnology but also by other emerging technologies.

Table des matières

1. Introduction
2. Technological and Conceptual Overview
- 2.1. Neurotechnology
- 2.2. Neural data and Other Data Allowing Cognitive States Inferences
  - 2.2.1. Concepts
  - 2.2.2. Content and Unique Characteristics
3. The emergence of neuroethics, neurolaw and neurorights
- 3.1. Concepts
- 3.2. Focus on the Right to Mental Privacy and Neuroprivacy
- 3.3. Focus on Mental Integrity or Personal Identity
- 3.4. Redundancy vs. Added Value of New Neurorights
4. Protection of Neurorights Under International Instruments and Constitutional Rights
5. Protection of Neural and Mental data Under Data Protection Laws
- 5.1. Characterization Under Data Protection Laws
  - 5.1.1. Neural and Mental Data as Personal Data?
  - 5.1.2. Neural data and non-neural data as sensitive personal data?
    - 5.1.2.1. Health Data
    - 5.1.2.2. Biometric Data
    - 5.1.2.3. Comparative Analysis: the US
  - 5.1.3. Interim Findings
- 5.2. Data Protection Principles and Duties
  - 5.2.1. Introduction
  - 5.2.2. Legal Basis and Consent
  - 5.2.3. Purpose Limitation, Data Minimization, and Proportionality
  - 5.2.4. Other Aspects
- 5.3. Interim Findings
6. Other Legal Topics Beyond Data Protection (Brief Overview)
- 6.1. Criminal Law and Procedure
- 6.2. Artificial Intelligence
- 6.3. Medical Devices and Human Research
- 6.4. Neurodiscrimination
7. Conclusion